Did you know there are some small but very cool museums in Los Angeles for kids? We all know about the California Science Center and Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, the beloved Getty Museums in Mid-City and Malibu, and the Skirball Cultural Center with its classic Noah’s Ark Exhibit for kids. But, when you’ve exhausted all the icons—or if you are looking for something a little bit more casual, there are some pretty amazing “under the radar” museums hidden all over LA.
Read on to learn more about these hidden gems that are great for families with kids of all ages!
Looking for more museum-based fun? Check out this list of great children’s museums in LA and the OC, and this list of free admission days for LA museums.
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Cat's Cradle display at the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Photo by Cory Doctorow via Flickr
Hidden Gem Museums in West Los Angeles
1. Museum of Jurassic Technology - Culver City
No, despite the name, this museum isn’t all about dinosaurs (we've got one further down the list, though). This kooky spot keeps things weird while highlighting everything from a carved stone fruit pit to the stink ants of Cameroon. It’s quirky and quaint, and visitors will always discover new things. We recommend this one for kiddos 10 and up.
2. Star ECO Station - Culver City
Learn all about environmental science and see wild animals up close in Culver City. Guided public tours begin every hour on the hour Saturdays and Sundays.
3. Mr. Brainwash Art Museum - Beverly Hills
This one is such a trip! You’ll know you’ve come to the right place when you walk by a building with cars mounted on the outside walls. Mr. Brainwash is a creative and topsy-turvy world full of photo ops for the ‘gram. This is one of the cool museums in Los Angeles perfect for teens and tweens.
4. Museum of Flying - Santa Monica
Airplane enthusiasts will love this cool little museum next to the Santa Monica airport. See aircraft, artifacts, and the Aviation Hall of Fame.
5. Jadis - Santa Monica
This prop house is packed with steampunk-style curiosities. It is open for tours by appointment only and is best for older kids, teens, tweens, and parents.
6. Santa Monica Art Museum - Santa Monica
Star Wars and Wes Anderson, all in one place? There’s so much to see at this great art museum with fantastic permanent and rotating exhibits.
RELATED: Discovery Cube: San Fernando Valley's Science Museum for LA Kids
Museum of Neon Art photo by Gary van der Steur, courtesy of the Museum.
The Best Small Museums in the Valleys
7. Museum of Neon Art - Glendale
Located right by the Grove, this cool museum highlights the creativity and talent of the artists creating neon signs and sculptures. I once went to a banquet here and it was the best night ever. Wear your brightest whites or neon-colored shirts—those blacklights make everything glow!
8. Junior High Los Angeles - Glendale
Want to go back to junior high? No, none of us do. But this Junior High is different. It is a multipurpose art gallery with rotating exhibits that all serve the same purpose from different facets- the museum seeks to be a place that fosters belonging, empathy, generosity, and community. This one is better for the older set—probably junior high (like the name implies) and above.
9. Forest Lawn Museum - Glendale
This one has a special place in my heart, as I used to perform here with my choir in college. The Forest Lawn Museum has rotating exhibits highlighting different aspects of art and culture. Sometimes, the exhibits are fun for kids, such as Lego art, a Bob Baker Marionette exhibit, and more. Admission is always free.
10. Valley Relics - Van Nuys
Kids 10 and under are free at this pop culture wonderland. The museum consists of two airplane hangars, packed floor to ceiling with pop culture relics from movies, TV, and local lore. There are also rows of classic arcade games set on free play!
11. The Bunny Museum - Altadena
Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like—it is a museum completely dedicated to all things bunnies, with more than 46,000 bunny objects. Hop on over to see more bunnies than you ever thought possible—and maybe even meet a real bunny too.
12. Museum of San Fernando Valley - Northridge
The history of the San Fernando Valley is encased in this free museum open on Tuesday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sundays. They often do fun pop culture events on-site.
13. The Nethercutt Museum - Sylmar
Check out antique vehicles at this fun little museum. Kids under 12 are free, though children have to be at least 10 to enter the Nethercutt Collection (a different exhibit in a separate building). Book a private tour in advance: tours are $5 per person over 12. Families can also tour the Canadian Pacific Royal Hudson Locomotive and 1912 Pullman Private Cable Car.
Hollywood Museums for Families
14. Walt Disney's Carolwood Barn - Griffith Park
This barn is a slice of Disney history that most people don’t know about. It is nestled in Griffith Park and is open to the public on the third Sunday of every month from 11am - 3pm. When Walt lived in Holmby Hills, he used this little red barn as a workshop to dream up railroads and eventually the wonder that would become Disneyland. This slice of history was preserved and moved to Griffith Park as a landmark of Walt's legacy when his home was (eventually) demolished.
15. LAFD Museum - Hollywood & San Pedro
If you have a kiddo who shrieks joyfully when a firetruck zooms by, put this cool museum on your list. There are two locations, both full of LAFD history and memorabilia. Chances are, your kids can get up close with a real fire truck (or even a fire rescue boat at the San Pedro location).
16. Japan House - Hollywood
Japan House is focused on curating art that highlights Japanese culture. The rotating exhibits are often very kid-friendly; in the past, they have included a Pokemon art installation and a Kawaii art display.
17. World of Illusions - Hollywood
This is one of the cool museums in Los Angeles County that kids will talk about days after you visit. The exhibits will teach you all about the art of perspective and how easy it is to trick the eye! Pose for mind-boggling photos and even “go upside down” at this entertaining space in Hollywood.
RELATED: The Best Children's Museums in Los Angeles and Orange County
Time Travel Mart. Photo courtesy of 826 LA
Hidden Gem Museums for Families in DTLA
18. Watts Tower Art Center - Watts
The famous Watts Towers by Italian artist Saboto Rodia go hand in hand with this art center featuring smaller rotating exhibits. The Watts Tower Art Center was created to provide cultural enrichment and educate the public about various art forms and representations in the LA community.
19. ASU FIDM Museum - DTLA
The FIDM Museum is often home to iconic costumes from movies and hosts the many stunning gowns and suits of the Oscars every year. If you’ve never been to FIDM and love fashion, this spot is a must.
20. Marciano Art Foundation - DTLA
Tell your kids to keep an eye out for Felix the Cat at this collection of art in the heart of LA. This one has plenty of color and creativity to keep the kids entertained as you enjoy the art.
21. Time Travel Mart - Echo Park & Mar Vista
Want to buy goods and products from another dimension? Time Travel Mart is half-museum, half-store, and entirely entertaining. They claim to be the only purveyors of goods from the past, present, and future. Check them out and form your own opinion.
Prehistoric Forest at the Santa Barara Museum of Natural History, photo by Kylie Williams
Under-the-Radar Museums Worth the Drive
22. The Cheech - Riverside
The city of Riverside founded this museum in partnership with famed comedian Cheech Marin, one of the foremost collectors of Chicano Art. It is close to the famed Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and features permanent exhibits and rotating collections.
23. In-N-Out Museum - Baldwin Park
Check out a replica of the first-ever In-N-Out! Don’t worry, there’s an operating In-N-Out walking distance from the replica so you can enjoy a burger after your tour. There’s also a giant In-N-Out merchandise store on site with unique items you can’t find anywhere else.
24. Channel Islands Maritime Museum - Oxnard
Seafaring friends of all ages will enjoy this collection of model ships, nautical art, and exhibits on everything from whales to the Port of Hueneme.
25. The Original McDonald’s - San Bernadino
Los Angeles is steeped in burger culture, and the original McDonald’s is in San Bernardino. The spot is full of history and memorabilia. Fans of The Founder or just fans of Happy Meals will love walking through the history of America’s most iconic fast food chain.
26. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - Santa Barbara
Everyone knows about the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park, but did you know there is a smaller, sister museum in Santa Barbara? It's a bit of a drive, but I think it's worth it. My family loves this one—the dinosaur trail outside and the interactive family wing make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Small Museums for Families in the South Bay & OC
27. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) - Long Beach
This museum featuring Latin American art offers free children’s workshops on select days. It shines during Dia de los Muertos when they put on a big event celebrating the season.
28. Wonder of Dinosaurs - Redondo Beach
This spot in the South Bay Galleria holds the largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs on the West Coast. If you have a little paleontologist on your hands this museum, part playspace, and part education, will keep them entertained for hours.
29. Museum of Make Believe - Laguna Beach
Step into the world of fantasy and fairy tales at this curious museum dedicated to the art of storytelling with eye-popping (and photo-worthy) displays.